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I have a 1980 GS750 that I'm converting into a café and I'm at the point of welding the hoop and seat pan, but I have a question about the type of battery I need. I have the thruxton seat that I trimmed down about an inch in the back to match the upsweep so the cavity of the hump isn't that big. DCC said that if I want to stick with the electric starter I would need a 12v/12a battery which are the largest. Any one recommend a 12 amp AG battery that I could possibly hide in the hump? All the other electronics will be mounted upside down below the seat pan.
This is what Shorai recommend for yours with electric start: http://shoraipower.com/products?action=vehicle&type=175&make=1675&model=8089&year=8089
I think the Anti-Gravity and Balistic batteries are a bit smaller, I have a custom GS550 (see signature for the link) I have put the smallest Shorai in it now, but have kickstart only, which will obviously allow for a smaller battery.
If you install a lithium iron battery you'll want to update your charging system to match, or you'll find that you have an expensive lesson in battery technology. The battery size suggested by DCC is what you'll want for that bike if you go lead acid or AGM.
So if I stick with the AG instead of lithium so I won't have to update the charging system I would need a 12 amp (cell) AG then? Seems like the smallest size I can find is 5x6 inches which I think would be to big to fit under the hump. Is my other option to go to a kick start to get a smaller battery? Is that a really complex conversion? I at least already have the engine out.
Wow! That link cleared everything up for me. Such good information! So for my situation it sounds like I want to focus on the AG type battery and probably stick with 12 amps. I will be putting around town to work and school so a lot of starting and stopping. Plus the only other changes to the electrical system will be putting on LED's so I'm not sure if that would be enough to drop the amps on the battery. So now I need to find the smallest size 12ah AGM battery.
If you're keeping the electric start, Ah isn't the only important rating in a battery. The problem is that a starter motor draws a huge amount of current in a very short time. Batteries from electronics equipment may have the capacity you need, but they're designed for low draw applications over long time periods, not high draw applications over short periods.
A good hint is to look at the terminals of the battery. In this pic, these batteries are 12V, 12Ah:
But you see those spindly little spade connectors? They're good for about 20A on a good day. Your starter motor might draw 50 amps or so. Those connectors on that battery will melt even though the battery is technically "good" for the amount of current you want supplied.
If you're using the electric start, your options will be very much limited to batteries designed for automotive use. Accept no substitutions.
That makes sense. Now I've seen these ballistic batteries that would be the perfect fit, but I hear mixed reviews. I was looking at a 12v, 8cell with 240 cca that might work. The 12 cell was over 400 cca so I thought I could drop to 8a possibly and still have more cca than stock. Would I need to change any parts if my charging system with these batteries like I would with lithium? Thanks for all the information!
It sounds like if I want to go with a ballistic battery or Shorei battery I'll need to update the rectifier and stator. Also I still have the glass fuses so I want to make the upgrade there. Is there anything else that I would need to upgrade?
The main thing to upgrade is the regulator, and the rectifier usually comes along for the ride because they're a combined unit. Fuses don't matter so much, but you're welcome to upgrade them just the same.
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